Unit 1 - History of Psychology

AP Exam review

Willhelm Wundt

“Father Of Psychology”
Opened first Psych Lab in Germany, 1879
Focus on Structuralism

Structuralism

Focus on breaking down mental processes
Pioneered by Wundt and Titchener

Into their most basic components, aiming to understand the structure of the mind.

Functionalism

Focused on how behavior helps us adapt to the environment and survive
Pioneered by William James

Gestalt Psychology

Understanding the mind and behavior as a whole.

Gestalt Psychology emphasizes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, focusing on perception and experience.

Psychoanalysis

Unconscious drives, shapes behavior

Emphasizes the importance of early childhood experiences.

Pioneered by Freud

Behaviorism

Focus on observable behavior only.

Pioneered by Watson and Skinner

Behaviorism is a theory of learning which states that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. It emphasizes the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior and is not concerned with internal mental states.

Humanism

Emphasizes human potential and growth.

Pioneered by Rogers and Maslow

Humanism is a psychological perspective that focuses on individual potential and stresses the importance of growth and self-actualization. It offers a more positive outlook on human nature compared to other psychological theories.

Cognitive Psychology

Study of how we perceive, think, and solve problems.

It explores mental processes such as memory, learning, and language, emphasizing how individuals process information.